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After reading some suggestions and researching a bit, I've decided to go with the Dinan intake which should fit perfectly w/o any problems, and go for the Active Autowerke software upgrade. That should do it for now!

AFE: From what I've read, the AFE intake is a tough fit due to the xenons, so make sure you check that out.

My setup: I have the BMW Perf Intake, an AA tune, and a Sprint Booster. They all contribute small pieces as to how the car feels butt dyno but non of them is overwhelming. I like my AA tune but I don't think it's 15 hp gain. (Or maybe it is but you don't REALLY feel it). All three contribute to a better driving experience, throttle responsiveness. (Side note: power pulleys didn't seem to do anything for me).

@Jim - spot on with a modified 135. Friend has one and it absolutely blows away a 1M, over 400 HP... it's a beast!

STEP S/W: I'd love to get the STEP s/w but there really is no definitive answer on it, sounds like it's an incremental increase from what I've gather, just like the others. Eurocharged has a tune that also modifies the STEP... I would have gotten that one but I already had my AA tune. They (Dinan) just need to put that STEP s/w on sale as it's expensive. I've emailed Dinan asking about the STEP s/w with an AA tune and have never gotten a response.

I was considering having Dinan software as well, and it is $100.00 cheaper... AA software claims the 15 HP gain, but now that I've read rando's post, I may just forget AA and go for the Dinan software and $ave some Ca$h...... Thanks for the suggestion...

My guess is that most tunes are going to give you similar results... there's only so much you can do with these engines w/o adding headers or FI. I doubt Dinan is that different than AA, but again, just a guess. But, saving $100 is nothing to sneeze at so that might make sense. It certainly doesn't matter which tune you use with which intake, as the cars computer is going to adjust to whatever airflow it's sensors receive.

Gentlemen I finally got the Dinan Stage II in my car to maximize the use of my BMW Performance Intake. I emailed Dinan and told them my vehicle specs and they responded and told me if I already had a BMW Performance Intake I should get the stage II.
So far from driving around I can definitely feel the difference. The throttle lag is completely gone, I used my stepronic in manual mode and redlined it no problem (just twice I didnt want to ruin my engine) It accelerates much quicker even with a steptronic it was definitely noticeably faster. I was told by the Dinan service guy at Fairfax Service Center that if BMW ever reprogrammed my car for any purpose I can just bring it back to them and they will redo the Dinan Stage II software for free. He also told me that if I get the throttle body I would only have to pay the difference (100) to get a Stage III software.
I like it so far, can notice performance improvement but nothing like OMG!.
Hope this helps might get the Dinan exhaust and throttle body at sometime in the future

Gentleman I finally got the Dinan Stage II in my car to maximize the use of my BMW Performance Intake. I emailed Dinan and told them my vehicle specs and they responded and told me if I already had a BMW Performance Intake I should get the stage II.
So far from driving around I can definitely feel the difference. The throttle lag is completely gone, I used my stepronic in manual mode and redlined it no problem (just twice I didnt want to ruin my engine) It accelerates much quicker even with a steptronic it was definitely noticeably faster. I was told by the Dinan service guy at Fairfax Service Center that if BMW ever reprogrammed my car for any purpose I can just bring it back to them and they will redo the Dinan Stage II software for free. He also told me that if I get the throttle body I would only have to pay the difference (100) to get a Stage III software.
I like it so far, can notice performance improvement but nothing like OMG!.
Hope this helps might get the Dinan exhaust and throttle body at sometime in the future